“Spring, you are such a tease. Let me know when you’re ready to commit and we’ll talk.”

Seriously, spring is a tease!

The boughs of this tree are weighed down with snow

Last week it was 19c that’s about 67f in American!

Her tweet made me laugh – mostly at myself and my own frustration with a winter that seems to be lasting longer than ever.

Waiting for Spring

I have been waiting for spring since February!

The truth is, winter isn’t lasting longer than any other year and I feel this way every year.

Get a grip Diana, after all you live in Canada – why are you surprised?

Well enough is enough.

I need to get out there – with or without spring!

So on Monday in -10c weather

8th Street SW, Mount Royal area

I dressed in layers

put on a hat

grabbed my way-too-expensive down-filled coat and with camera in hand set out for a walk.

Once out there I realized it wasn’t so bad after all.

The sun was shining brightly, causing me to squint and my legs were happy to be moving.

What else I’m waiting for?

Not a fan of waiting at the best of times, my frustration with winter got me to thinking about what else I might be waiting for and why?

If you’ve ever been in a place where you were doing exactly what you knew you should be doing

It used to be said that Calgary has 2 seasons: construction and winter. Lately the two just seem to blend into each other…

and something happened that closed that chapter in your life, you may be able to relate to what I’m about to tell you next.

For the last 2 1/2 years I’ve been waiting out a different kind of winter

waiting for inspiration

waiting for that next opportunity to present itself

waiting for a different kind of spring.

Could it be that it’s time to just stop waiting?

Could it be that I simply need to act and just go do what I am meant to do?

~

But here’s the thing.

I’m afraid.

The Calgary Tower on the right was the tallest building when it was built in the late 60’s. It makes me chuckle to think now that when one is on the observation deck, one can also look up at offices as well as looking down at the folks below.

I always remember my grandparents talking about waiting to retire so they could buy and RV and travel and camp and fish and all the things they loved to do – but they waited too long. Grandma’s health declined and they stayed home for the last 25 years of their time together. Today is the day.

Diana! Oh my gosh how much do I LOVE this post! Yes these grey skies and returning snowfalls are playing havoc on my moods and it’s hard sometimes to remain up when I want to be digging on my hands and knees in the garden but it’s still FROZEN! Sigh.
Your analogy here is PERFECT: “I need to dress in the layers of my years of experience and believe that they have merit. I need to adorn my head with all the knowledge I’ve gleaned and believe that it is useful. I need to cover myself with all the skills I’ve picked up and the value I can bring to my community. And just walk out that door and do it.”
Diana, I adore your writing, and this post – with your wisdom embedded with humour – is precisely what I needed to read today. Thank you!
Big warm parka hugs! Gina

I am not sure what challenge it is you are contemplating. You are a determined positive-thinking person. Whatever it is, I am sure you will give it your all. And even if there is no measurable “success”, you will gain the education and experience of trying. That is life. Go for it.

What ever it is, you should go for it Diana. I’m excited for you. It must be something real good. I know all about fear, it has become my friend, that freaks me out every single day. Makes me doubt and question. I heard this quote from somewhere that I absolutely love: “Fear is trusting in your own powers.” Leave what you want to do for bigger powers and just keep walking in that cold. You’re truly inspirational. Btw, love how you wrote it. hugs

D, it is supposed to be in the 70s here today and by week’s end, low 50s and rain. It’s always like this, Spring coming and going, but that snow == is that where you are? Oh my. Love your positive spirit — thank you.

Hi Diana. You have my curiosity piqued! What, pray tell, is this big change you are considering? Perhaps a little hint? 😉
This reminds me of the trepidation I felt when we moved out of the city a couple of years ago. As it turned out, I have few regrets. We followed our hearts which, in my opinion, is the most trusted indicator that one is making the right decision.
I wish you peace of mind in whatever you decide. Keep us posted!

Your story is encouraging because you also experienced some fear but went ahead with your move and are glad you did it. Something Bulldog said is sticking with me too…sometimes it’s impossible to take a step back once you’ve taken your first step, so it really doesn’t make much sense for me to fret about something I’ve already initiated, does it?
xo
Diana

Like the metaphor … love the action plan! Isn’t it remarkable how we can make “someone else” responsible for our success, happiness and contributions! Most of us would cite the same reasons you did … all based in a fear of being vulnerable!

To do what one wants only takes one small step.. it is sometimes impossible to step back.. but then if one is committed to something the step back should never come into the equation… step out and look up, it gives one so much confidence if the stride is with purpose and determination..
Look at me .. in my sixties, giving up a good job and laying everything on the line just for the software development that might even flop… but does that enter the equation? Not at all, we see success and a future, we cannot afford to look back or step back.. it’s too late now so every thought can only be on success and the future… and we know it’s going to work… Step out with determination and a smile on the face, everyone’s spring comes soon or later…

You know…after I wrote this, it was you I was thinking about in regards to launching this new software and the risks that you are taking! Thanks for your words of encouragement. And perhaps it’s good that one can’t easily step back?

Yes! I guess starting my blog was an attempt to try and discover a way out of being stuck not doing what I should be doing. Do you ever find that you’re not sure exactly which if the things you want to do, you should be doing?
I’m also trying to get going. Spring kind of is here now. It was spring over the weekend! Then yesterday was winter. It’s spring with gusto again today. The sunshine is overwhelming. Makes me want to do things haha!
You go for it Diana! I’m excited to hear about your new adventures 🙂 Once you get out there, you’ll probably get hooked and won’t be able to stop. It’s those first slightly unsure steps that are the most difficult I think perhaps?